Like most Christian sects, the Amish observe Christmas. Many Amish customs surrounding the holiday are recognizable but others are unique to their faith tradition.
What Does Christmas Look Like for the Amish?
The Amish celebrate Christmas for two days (December 25-26). The first day of Christmas (December 25) is used for reflection, scripture reading and prayer. They do not attend church services on this day but the Christmas story is usually read aloud in homes from a German language Bible. As a people of faith, Christ is at the center of the Christmas story for the Amish.
The second day (December 26) is for large family gatherings. Small gifts are often exchanged and there is usually a filling meal featuring classics like Shoofly Pie, Ham, and Buttered Noodles. In keeping the 26th as a holiday, the Amish may be the only people group in America to unintentionally observe the British holiday known as "Boxing Day!"
A traditional Amish Christmas treat and favorite at family gatherings are Sand Tarts. These crisp, buttery, and sweet cookies are found in cookie tins at most every Amish family gathering across PA Dutch country.
How do Amish Christmas Celebrations Differ From the General Public's?
Generally speaking, the Amish avoid excessive Christmas decorations and do not have a Christmas tree. The inclusion of a Christmas tree in the home over the holiday is a relatively recent tradition, and it never took hold among the Amish. They will sometimes place battery operated electric candles in the windows--a common sight in Lancaster County. While the Amish will often exchange cards and small gifts during their family gatherings, they eschew commercialism and excessive gift-giving. For the Amish, Christmas is ultimately about gathering with family and reflecting on the birth of Christ.
What are Some Unique Amish Holiday Traditions?
Along with Sand Tarts and celebrating Christmas for two days, the Amish also often attend a school play put on by Amish schoolchildren. These plays usually center around the Christmas story and involve reciting songs and poems. On the last day of the school before Christmas, Amish schoolchildren exchange small gifts and give their teacher a gift. The Amish still operate small one-room schoolhouses and Christmas is an exciting time for schoolchildren as they get to take a few days off of school. Unlike the rest of the country, Amish schoolchildren do not have a long Christmas school break, however.
They do get an extra day of Christmas though!
This holiday season, be sure to take time to reflect on family, friends, and faith. From everyone here at Stoltzfus Meats, we wish you a wonderful holiday!